While solving (3-8i)^2-(3+8i)^2 should i solve for the exponents first? or FOIL?

Question

amistre64 · Answer

the only thing that will get you further is to ... foil... as you call it

anonymous · Answer

attachment

amistre64 · Answer

of course now that i read it again, it comes across a bit vague; wht do yo mean by takeing care of exponents?

amistre64 · Answer

(3-8i)^2 , expand this out

-(3+8i)^2  ; expand this out and dont forget to apply the negative

anonymous · Answer

ok

anonymous · Answer

im still unsure ive expanded the prblem and solved for it but didnt get the correct answer

anonymous · Answer

Do: (3-8i)(3-8i) first.   Then do (3+8i)(3+8i)
So, you should have [9-24i-24i+64i^2]  minus  [9+24i+24i+64i^2]

anonymous · Answer

ok thanks

anonymous · Answer

You're welcome. hope it helped

anonymous · Answer

indeed

anonymous · Answer

final answer 96i

anonymous · Answer

-96i

anonymous · Answer

Yes! correct. This site will be your best friend. http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%283-8i%29^2-%283%2B8i%29^2+ Sometimes it even shows you the steps.

anonymous · Answer

I think the most direct method is to factor by difference of squares and simplify.$$(3-8i)^2-(3+8i)^2=(3-8i+3+8i)(3-8i-3-8i)=6(-16i)=-96i$$

amistre64 · Answer

good eye ;)

anonymous · Answer

Nice to get one correct occasionally.